Adopting an evolutionary approach to substantiate major characteristics of human cognitive architecture has been one of the major recent developments in cognitive load theory. According to this approach, human cognitive architecture is a natural information processing system which can be described by five general principles. This paper attempts to…

In this essay Michael Glassman and Jonathan Burbidge explore the idea of a dialectical relationship between the traditional place(s) of teaching/learning settings and the challenges to our perceptions created by the new spaces of the Internet. The authors examine this topic in the context of a three-stage evolution of humans' relationship…

A primary goal of university instruction is the students' demonstration of improved, highly developed critical thinking (CT) skills. However, how do faculty encourage CT and its potential concomitant increase in student workload without negatively impacting student perceptions of the course? In this investigation, an advanced biology course is…

While many states are handling evolution better today than in the past, anti-evolution pressures continue to threaten state science standards. In April 2012, for example, Tennessee passed a law that enables teachers to bring anti-evolution materials into the classroom without being challenged by administrators. This law is similar to the Science…

This personal reflection describes events at the Appalachian State University that celebrated the Darwin Bicentennial throughout the 2008-2009 academic year. Prominent speakers and writers joined with a film series, theatre productions, and art exhibits to focus on Darwin and his scientific discoveries. The Darwin Bicentennial provided the members…

David C. Geary's thesis has the potential to alter our understanding of those aspects of human cognition relevant to instruction. His distinction between biologically primary knowledge that we have evolved to acquire and biologically secondary knowledge that is culturally important, taught in educational institutions and which we have not evolved…

This article is essentially a rebuttal to Norman Macbeth's arguments against Darwinism. The author argues that one must identify the real weaknesses of evolutionary theory and not use the misconceptions put forth by Macbeth to make valid judgments. (MA)

Sketches the teleological perspective dominating pedagogy and points out its weaknesses. Explains and applies the natural point of view, common in evolutionary theory, to pedagogy. Outlines and tests basic conceptual differentiations. Describes the often misunderstood concepts of chance, selection and adaptation. (CAJ)

Designates four challenges for a theory of evolutionary pedagogics which result from the theoretical progress made in biological science: (1) subjectively perceived autonomy; (2) teachability; (3) preparation for future life; and (4) the reality norm dilemma. Argues that these confrontations are the theoretical challenges for the further…

The paper presents data collected by an opinionnaire instrument during the fall of 1975 from people in Tennessee. Though the sample was not randomly selected, an effort was made to include persons from various (adult) age groups, sexes, occupations, and educational levels. The majority of the 404 who responded came from rural or small town…

Discusses the conflict between evolution and the "conventional wisdom of Christianity and the problems faced by the biology teacher in teaching evolution in certain communities. The practical consequences of both evolution and Christianity are compared and contrasted. Science teachers are urged to present the concepts of evolution honestly and…